Emergency department patient knowledge concerning acetaminophen (paracetamol) in over-the-counter and prescription analgesics

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate patient knowledge of the acetaminophen ( paracetamol) content of commonly used pain medications and the maximum daily recommended dose of acetaminophen. Methods: A prospective, convenience sample of emergency department patients were enrolled. Data were recorded using a standardised questionnaire over 4 months. Results: 1009 patients were enrolled. 492 patients ( 49%) did not know if Tylenol (R) contained acetaminophen ( paracetamol). The majority ( 66-90%) of patients did not know if Lortab (R), Vicodin (R), Percocet (R), non-aspirin pain reliever, ibuprofen, Motrin (TM), or Advil (TM) contained acetaminophen. 568 patients ( 56%) reported not knowing the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen and only 71 patients ( 7%) reported the correct daily dose. Conclusions: Patient knowledge of the acetaminophen content of commonly used analgesic medications and its maximum recommended daily dose is limited. This may contribute to unintentional repeated supratherapeutic ingestion ( RSTI) of acetaminophen, or overdose.